China's Fusion Reactor on Track for Ignition by 2027, Threatening U.S. Lead | OilPrice.com Haley Zaremba Haley Zaremba is an energy journalist and researcher with more than a decade of professional experience covering global energy systems, land and natural resources, and… More Info Premium Content By Haley Zaremba – Jun 12, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT China's EAST tokamak is reportedly on track to achieve plasma ignition in 2027 — potentially the first fusion reactor to sustain plasma without external heating. Beijing has designated fusion one of eight frontier technologies in its new five-year plan, backing it with deep government funding…